35 of the most shipped television couples
By Sundi Rose
Doug and Carol – ER
What you need to know: This is one of the most tumultuous of all the relationships viewers have ‘shipped over the years. We meet Carol after a suicide attempt that is (maybe) a result of a failed relationship with Doug. When she returns to work, she is, of course, tentative about letting him in, despite his attempts to win her back.
They go back and forth like this for years, tip-toeing right up to the edge of reconciliation, and then getting thwarted by their own baggage or external problems. Through it all, they maintained a working relationship that propelled the show through six seasons.
Why we ‘ship them so hard: It’s hard to root against George Clooney, folks, even if he is playing a womanizing bro who coasts through life on his charm. However, there is something really endearing about watching him try so hard to win a woman back. It’s also very satisfying seeing the future Good Wife go to such lengths to tamp down said charm.
For those keeping track, Doug and Carol wind up together in a Seattle hospital, parents to twins, living happily together, in spite of their dodgy past.
How to watch it all unfold: Carol and Doug left ER in the sixth season, but the show went on for nine more seasons. Hulu added the series to their lineup, so head there to satisfy all your ’90s medial drama nostalgia.